ET Graphics: Deregulation 2.0: 28 reforms moves to cut red tape for land, biz, schools and health

The Centre has identifi ed 28 Priority Areas for Deregulation 2.0. The wheels have begun moving with some states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, UTs of Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands already drawing up action plans to meet a March 15-30 deadline. ET’s Anubhuti Vishnoi takes a look at the action points sought by the Centre.

Priority areas


1: Scrap CLU to end landowner harassment

Repeal standalone land conversion laws so that no CLU permission needed; Scrap agri-to-non-agri CLU in planned areas if aligned with master plan; Allow land-use change in areas without CLU on payment of conversion fee.

2: Adopt ‘permitted until prohibited’ principle; allow construction nods during master-plan preperation

Amend bylaws for demand-led land use; minimal zoning, clear negative list.

3: Optimise land use in industrial clusters, with provisions for MSMEs

Liberalise allotment to unlock vacant land; ease FAR/norms; promote PPP; ensure state-backed fire safety & shared infra.

4: Streamline building and construction permit process

Designate single point nodal agency for all NOCs; review all existing licences/permits/compliances.

5. Adopt global best practices in fi re safety for buildings

Remove all references to national building code, plan mandates, fire safety laws; do away with height restrictions, duplicate safety needs.

6: Remove dual licensing for businesses; Audit for duplication.

7: Liberalise regulations for shops and commercial establishments

Registration on intimation basis without approval and for lifetime; 24*7 for all.

8: Ease weights and measures licensing; shift to self-declaration.

9: Let State Industrial Development Authority act as nodal agency for all approvals in industrial clusters.

10: Facilitate MSMEs through self-declaration, pre-setup approvals and protection from inspections.

11: Expedite process for release of electricity connection; remove fi eld inspections, mandatory test reports.

12: Fast-Track green clearances; step Up SEAC/SEIAA meetings, create land bank.

13: Promote affordable tourist stays; remove homestay NOCs & owner-occupancy rule; delink hotel star rating from mandatory services/licences.

14: Scrap minimum land ownership requirement for private schools.

15: Ease equipment and infra requirements for private schools.

16: Eliminate minimum land requirement for private universities.

17: Reduce minimum endowment fund requirements for higher educational institutions (HEIs)

Allow existing endowment funds of private universities, locked up due to regulations, to be used for capital/ recurring expenditure.

18: Reduce minimum infrastructure and equipment requirements for HEIs not funded by government.

19: Simplify medical practitioners’ registration/NOC across states

Consider allowing medical practitioners registered in any state (SMC) or National medical register (NMR) to practice in that state on self-certification.

20: Appoint single nodal agency for all healthcare licences and NOCs, with option to engage private third party for coordination on a fee basis.

21: Monitor and reduce end-to-end turnaround times on single window system

Assess at least a dozen economic activities on current turnaround time (TAT); aim to reduce TAT by at least 50%.

22: Create a centralised digital repository of all state Acts, Rules, Regulations and GOs; review them using principle-based framework.

23: Establish auto-appeal system under Right to Services Act/Guidelines.